For those who are unaware Amtrak has been detouring the Southwest Chief trains on the former ATSF SOUTHERN transcon via Amarillo TX since at least Friday 12-29-06.
This Amarillo route was used in ATSF passenger days as the route of the former San Francisco Chief.
For those that would still like to ride this rare detour it looks like tonights (SAT 12-30-06) train 4 WILL also be routed via Amarillo TX.
I just found this message posted to the Yahoo “All Aboard” list by a contributor who is apparently a BNSF train dispatcher.
Trainorders is now reporting (10:11am) that the Amarillo DETOUR has been EXTENDED to at least SUN 12-31-06 new years eve.
This should give any Amtrak fans ample opportunity to ride this rare mileage:
— Daniel
:
http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,1310091
Date: December 30, 2006 10:11 am PST
Southwest Detour Extend
Author: mundo
Train 4 of the 30 and 31 of Dec will detour
Train 3 of the 31 and 1 will detour.
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/All_Aboard/message/139648
RARE MILEAGE ALERT
Due to a Blizzard in southern Colorado, the Raton Pass line is closed.
Because of this Amtrak’s Southwest Chief will take the following detour -
Topeka - Wellington - Waynoka - Amarillo - Clovis - Belen - Albuquerque
Train 3 departing Chicago 12/29, 12/30 will take this route
Train 4 departing Los Angles 12/28, 12/29, 12/30 will take this route.
Trains originating on 12/31 might also take this detour depending on
conditions.
The duration of this detour might lenghten or shorten depending on the
weather conditions.
Most highways in New, Mexico are closed. Things are really ugly out
there tonight.
–
Erich S Houchens
Fort Worth, Dixie